New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh doesn’t seem interested in moving on from Zach Wilson yet
Even after today’s abysmal offensive showing, the New York Jets are still sticking with their current quarterback.
Speaking after today’s 15-10 loss to the Patriots, head coach Robert Saleh said that Zach Wilson currently “gives us the best chance to win” and that “it would help if we could help around him.”
Saleh also said he thinks Wilson is improving, despite the box score not showing it.
“I can get into a long dissertation about what we’re seeing, obviously. I think, obviously, his pocket presence to us has been so much more improved. His accuracy is much improved. His decision-making is much improved.”
“Right now Zach Wilson … is who gives us the best chance to win.” – Robert Saleh on #Jets QB
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 24, 2023
“It would help if we could help around him.” – Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson #Jets pic.twitter.com/LJUC40y517
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 24, 2023
In terms of the locker room, Saleh said,” I’m not worried about the locker room. We’ve got a great locker room. They’ll be fine.”
Wilson completed 18-of-36 passes for 157 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions in the loss.
It’s not entirely fair to put the entirety of the blame on Wilson for the team’s performance today on offense. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, whether through play calling or personnel usage, did the Jets’ offense no favors. He continuously called predictable plays and did not utilize players like Jeremy Ruckert (1 snap) or Mecole Hardman (2 snaps).
Unreal:
Jets ran 12 plays on 1st & 10 prior to the 4th quarter (when it was catch-up/obvious pass mode)
TEN were runs.
Those runs gained 19 yards (1.9 YPC).
They did EXACTLY what we all knew they couldn't do. Predictably force the ball into loaded boxes on 1st down all day.
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) September 24, 2023
Yet, Wilson was arguably the main reason the Jets lost today. He looked skittish and rattled in the pocket, not trusting his eyes to let the play develop. The quarterback stayed in the pocket too long or bailed when he could have found an open receiver a second later.
Great protection and Allen Lazard wide open on 1st & 10 to start this Q4 drive down by five pic.twitter.com/oJJAdTzeWi
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) September 24, 2023
Regardless of what Saleh says, the Jets cannot stick with Wilson much longer, if at all. The quarterback has repeatedly shown who he is with his play over the past three years.
It remains to be seen if the answers given after the game are truly how Saleh and the Jets feel. But if the coaching staff is still adamant about rolling out Wilson, they will be putting their own job security on the line this season, along with Wilson’s.
